On Sunday as I went to post a video on my Cathy Zielske Design Facebook Page with a link, I learned that I can no longer post more than two links a month on my business Facebook page unless I pay $39.99 a month and become a subscriber to what is being called Meta One.
Two links.
I guess Zuck needs more money. I get it. He’s got a business to run. And a big lawsuit settlement to pay off for not keeping kids safe on his platform. And maybe another yacht.
But what he may have miscalculated is how small creators like me already face hurdles with trying to stand out in the social media algorithms, and for me, paying yet another fee for another service is not going to be in the cards…so to speak.
The Meta-owned platforms of Instagram and Facebook have been changing for years. The Pay to Play model has been creeping in for a long time. My content is not shocking, salacious or otherwise algorithm-worthy, and the growth on either platform has been inconsequential.
I suppose if I posted a video where I hand my hubby a card and then kick him in the nuts, the algorithm would love that.
I’m just going to keep doing me.
I don’t think this is just me being way too middle aged, but I’m exhausted by trying to make these platforms work. So I’m going to take some time off from my Cathy Zielske Design Facebook page starting today and focus on two things, in terms of marketing my business:
My website and my newsletter.
The things I can actually control.
Not necessarily control how many people see it, but control the places I share my content. Meta doesn’t own my website. Meta doesn’t influence my newsletter.
I pay to host this website and I own the contents within.
I pay for my newsletter and can reach people who opt in to receive it.
And of course, you can find me on YouTube, and YouTube lets creators share links in their descriptions. At least for now.
That’s the best I can do.
So if you’re on Facebook and don’t see me, it’s all good. I’m here, working, creating cards and videos and I’ll be posting them on YouTube, sharing them here, and sending out emails for all things I would like to share with you!
I’m not sure about Instagram yet, but I use a third party service called Liinks, as a work-around for sharing links but based on my metrics, very few people click out of Instagram via that service.
Feel free to poke around my website while you’re here.
I’ll be here, grateful I can still make a living doing what I do.
Betsey Forbes says
Cathy you always approach life with grace and humor – keep doing what you do and people will find you. Your videos are wonderful and I love the little stories and anecdotes you share. You have so many fans who appreciate what you do – these billionaires can stick it!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks Betsey!
Toni Kwaiser says
I’m just a touch older than you. And it’s not your age. They really are a greedy bunch. And just for principle I wouldn’t pay it either.
Way way back we received an extra $25 in our checks, or something like that. It was a Trump thing. I posted I would send that money to the ACLU. Someone said I wouldn’t really. I posted a screenshot of my ACLU ongoing donation. Still, every month they get a donation from me.
We will be there, wherever you are! You are loved!
Cathy Zielske says
Good on you! I love that.
Barbara says
Happy to subscribe to your newsletter! Love your content and your outlook. I’ve been following for too many years to count. Let’s just say our kids have grown up together so to speak. I’ll always seek you out so don’t worry about those nasty algorithms.
Cathy Zielske says
thank you!
Michelle says
Cathy, They are just so greedy. Like being a gazillionaire just is not enough! And never mind, paying it forward so small businesses and creators can share their work. I always find you through your Newsletter, YouTube and Instagram. I keep thinking some super creator will build a platform that isn’t owned by a greedy gazillionaire. That would be perfect! I am sorry that they make it so hard for all of you!
Kate R. says
This is a point I hadn’t thought of before! So, I hate FB and all the negativity and trolls there…. EXCEPT for the two communities that I love (crafting and board games). FB groups is really the only thing I’m there for AND following my favorite small content creators. That means, if they squeeze those people out of the game, they lose me, too. And, I’m not that important. But, multiply me and all the advertising they are pushing at me constantly- usually with data that they are harvesting from me- and maybe me quitting will have a tiny bit of an impact. Who knows.
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks so much!
Marci McCabe says
Having worked in corporate America for 40 years I am always baffled when a company makes the type of decision that directly impacts others’ bottom line. Honestly – how much money is enough? There’s a lot of mean, nasty things I could say, but frankly, he just isn’t worth my time. I truly hope you and the other card makers figure out a way to continue sharing because these posts are always a bright spot in my day. Best of luck!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks!
Grunwald Jayne says
Thank you for all the content you create. I watch on you tube so Meta can kick rocks 😀
Kate Rietmann says
Oh NO! Leave poor Dan’s nuts alone, Cathy.
This entire thing is STUPID! Sorry- not sorry.
I’m thinking about disabling my FB account again. I actually like IG because it seems less toxic and I seem to get fewer random posts pushed at me. Possibly my imagination?
What I do want to say is I am an avid newsletter reader. I try to follow links in your newsletter as much as possible. If there is something that would be more helpful for me to do as an enduser, please let us know!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Kate!
Amely says
Honestly, it’s just tiring anymore. I love making cards and sharing them but it’s so difficult to get followers unless you do it full time. I love your cards and follow you everywhere and it’s making me sad how you we can’t just enjoy our creativity and share it without the billionaires needing a slice of any cake as small as it might be. That’s our society now and we are just condoning it.
Cathy Zielske says
Preach!
Cathy Oppy says
Thank you for the update about those FB meanie-weanies. ☹️
I have long received your email newsletter and read it in full.
I have no doubt it will keep us “in the know” about all things CZ her on the blog and in your newsletters.
Keep at it, girl!
Cathy 🌸
Monument CO
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks Cathy!
Corina says
Hey Cathy. Greed, the root of all evil. I march to same beat that you do. We are regular folks doing regular things. Why would Zuck want to interfere? Wherever you are, I’ll be there 👈
Cathy Zielske says
Thank you!
Carolyn Farrell says
Thank you for all you do. As Facebook becomes more greedy more people are going to decide they can find information and connections to others in new ways.
Cathy Zielske says
Yes!
Emily A says
Your content is so creative and uplifting, Cathy. Happy to find it here and on YouTube. Thanks for sharing your wonderful creations. Your website, blog and YouTube channel are true gems and are much appreciated.
Cathy Zielske says
Appreciate that!
Sandra Johnston says
Cathy, you need to do whatever is best for you and your business. I actually follow you on YouTube and on your videos attached to Simon Says Stamp. I have signed up for you newsletter and will continue to follow you on your YouTube channel. I find Facebook very subjective with their algorithms and rarely go on anymore other to see family and friend posts. I love the fact that you are real and relatable and you do you period❤️
Cathy Zielske says
thank you!
Michelle Langley says
Love your design, cards, humor and sarcasm. Especially the sarcasm! The kick him in the nuts comment was so perfect and it definitely made me chuckle. Thank you for doing what you do.
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! Well that IS the kind of thing the algorithm would reward! Sad, but true!
Phyllis says
Cathy, I don’t post a lot of my creations but I do have several of your wonderful stamp/die sets. You are a wonderful, caring, funny, professional individual whom I value in my life, as you share your creations in card making. I have watched your YouTube videos for a couple of years and will continue to follow your channel, look forward to the newsletters and your continuous humor. Thank you for all that you do and share with the crafting world out here. Keep up the fantastic work! We’ll all be here.
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Phyllis.
Patti Bailey says
Cathy, no matter where you are….we WILL find, follow, and support you!! Plain and simple!
I’m sorry that FB is making this so difficult (and costly) for you and all of the other wonderful content creators who we love!
Cathy Zielske says
Appreciate that, Patti!
Linda Warrington says
We’re going to find you wherever you go Cathy! Have no fear!! Love your videos, posts..all the things. Heaven forbid you make a few pennies without the trillionaires taking them off you😡😡
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! Right? They need MY money, too? lol
Barb Schaab says
Honestly, Facebook was the last place I went to find inspiration from you, Cathy. So Facebook might think we all need them, but actually they need all of us, and if there are workarounds to avoid their extortion, all the better! Keep going with your newsletter and website, Cathy!
Cathy Zielske says
You know, you are right: they need us more than we need them.
Rae Vermeal says
I will always find you, Cathy! Just not in a stalker kind of way. LOL I love your YouTube card making videos, the way you design and love that I can buy your beautiful stamp and die sets at SSS. You have a lovely, snarky sense of humor I greatly enjoy. And I know I have lots of company in this. Mr.Z can go kick rocks!
Cathy Zielske says
Indeed, he can!
Mark Spearman says
It is as if the pharaohs themselves have returned.
Cathy Zielske says
EXACTLY! Also? Hi.
Robin Kuketz says
Cathy, it makes me sick the way content creators are being treated. I have been folowing you for years and will continue to do so. You inspire me and give me confidence in creating art, whether that was scrabooking or is now card making. I can’t imagine not having your creativity and humor in my life. I will continue to support your on your website and YouTube. Facebook can take a flying leap! Stay stonr. We are all here for you! 💕
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Robin. Believe me: i love what I do for a living and consider myself lucky to be able to do it. True, I have some skills, but still.
Diana Hults says
All your fans will watch for the sprinkles of the sparkling boops to follow you. Your sense of humor and inspiration brightens my days. I am thankful that I can turn off the rest of the world for awhile and escape with one of my favorite people in my home of Minnesota.
Cathy Zielske says
Awww, thanks Diana!
Tracey Adams says
I’m so sorry that running your small business just got harder because of greed. I will always follow you using the method that’s best for you! Hang in there…and we’re hanging with you!
Barb W says
Ugh, so sorry that the tech billionaires are wrecking the livelihoods of small business owners. I applaud your tactic… focusing on the things you can control, like your website and your newsletter. I’m here for it all. 🥰
Cathy Zielske says
Yep… they just need more and more but… I am fortunate in that my business is not tied in with having Facebook. I know there are a lot of small companies who really rely on them. So… i will walk away from my business page and see what happens.
Joan Bardee says
I don’t know how anyone raises a child or earns a living now. It’s crazy. Stay strong.
Cathy Zielske says
Well, my son who graduated from college a few years ago could not afford to live on his own right now, not without 4 roommates, so yes… it’s a tough world out there.
Linda S. says
I don’t use facebook so this won’t effect how I receive your content, I subscribe to your newsletter. But, for all the other creative friends who use facebook to share and to communicate their love of creating, I’m so sorry that Meta is once again narrowing their options.
Stephanie Simmons says
Cathy – we love you. Wherever you go, we go. We will follow you wherever you are!! Big hugs!
Ida van Schalkwyk says
How terrible of Meta. But I just signed up for your newsletter and we’ll get back to basics. You make beautiful things and I love you sharing them with us. Thank you for still doing that.
Kathy says
I agree with you, Cathy, and touche’! I love watching you create. Thank you for doing what you do.
Denise says
I’ll follow you wherever you go!
Vicki West says
What they said! As my sister and I say (about whatever) “Meta’s not the boss of us!” I always receive your emails and find you on YouTube anyway! Frankly I’ve been taking a step back from FB anyway. 😉 Love ya crafty girlfriend.
Andrea L. says
Cathy, I think you are better off FB. Other small business owners, like you, that I follow were mentioning the same thing: the platform has been changing and, instead of elevating and helping the artists and creatives, it’s just making them moving away from it.
I believe it’s a blessing in disguise and, to be honest, I only follow you on YT and your blog (don’t have Instagram and rarely look at FB). And, I bet most of your followers also go to YT.
Keep on creating the beautiful cards and don’t mind Zuck.
Best,
Andrea (a fellow Seattleite 🙂 )
Sheri says
Totally support you 100% and I will find you and watch you “boop” it till the cows come home! Thank you for being authentic to your self and your supporters.
Mary says
Keep up the joyous content you provide.
I remain loyal to your site.
Thank you for your time and talent.
Peggy says
Cathy I love your decision! Take a stand and we are behind you. Who needs Zuck and his yachts, I mainly enjoy you in the newsletter and YouTube anyway. Just sorry to hear he is making these choices that impact small businesses
Also love that you shared a photo of your workspace. So organized and thoughtfully put together to make the sound, light, and experience so nice that we take for granted what you do to make it happen
Marlene Youngman says
Two years ago, I got a new phone and didn’t install Facebook on it. I was refreshing!! So, I slowly cut the cord, so to speak, I still have an account but almost never go on. For you a small business it’s a hurdle to work around, which is frustrating for all. In the end your devoted followers will understand and find you. As always, thank you for sharing ideas and content.
MaryAnn Novakowski says
I never watch on Facebook anyway only on YouTube. so hopefully that can continue without extra fees. Good luck Cathy Z. I will find you whereever you go until you retire.
Mary says
What’s FB? Not in my vocabulary, especially since I know of someone whose account was hijacked and he never got it back. You go girl! Purple power!
Andrea Robert says
Cathy, I appreciate what you are saying. Until recently, I was a small business owner that felt jerked around by FB and Meta, so I just stopped using it for business altogether. I have only kept my personal FB account to connect with my family and friends, but there is so much drek being posted all the time that I’m constantly feeling the need to disconnect.
I will always follow you on YouTube, your blog and via your emails. You’ve created a community of Boopsters that is too important to me to lose. THANK YOU!
Candy says
Good luck. I will continue to follow you and hopefully you can stay on a “FREE” channel (is there any such thing?).
Susie says
Loved your response. I left social media in 2019/20 for so many reasons! And almost stopped creating cards. But my love of art prevailed. I had my husband step in to my craft room a moment ago as I read your response to him. We both laughed. He said, “Susie, if you comment tell her I thought her remark was very funny.” Seriously, I think you’re doing the right thing.
Estala Emmanuel says
You go girl!!! Zuck does not need a new yacht…
I may not have time to watch every live you post but I do make it back at some point. You are a joy to watch and provide practical instruction.
Angie Pierce says
For the content creators I love, I’ll be bookmarking their websites and blogs and seeing more on those platforms vs an algorithm based platform. Kudos to you for keeping on.
Annie Cianciolo says
Won’t it be interesting when we abandon FB to find creator content through other sources? FB may not notice, but I will be spending my time elsewhere. Thanks for the update and as always, thanks for the laughs!
Maurine Zarek says
I’m with you Cathy! The rich just need to get richer! I look forward to your video’s and have quite a few of them from YouTube bookmarked for when I want to make the card. You are amazing!
Annie Cianciolo says
I forgot to comment on your photo – I truly thought your room was huge until I saw this angle! Enjoy today!
Stephanie Z says
Thanks for sharing on what Facebook & Meta are doing. I personally like YouTube – way more than Facebook. I get your newsletter but I don’t check out your web page that often. Am I missing out on something by not checking your web page and just reading your newsletter?
Have a good day 🙂
Christine Miller says
Cathy, I do not like Instagram or Facebook. I do not use them, but I do enjoy your videos through YouTube. Thank you
Cathy Fuller says
Cathy, I’m so sorry the greedy have once again put a wrench in content creators ability to make a living. Personally, I don’t usually click on social media links, but I use YouTube links and blog links. Thank you for shining a light on this so others can understand how it affects content creators. I hope those that do rely on Facebook links will adapt and support you.
Wanda Spoon says
I will always look for you on YouTube!!!!! I would hate to miss your cards and your humor. You always make me smile.
Nana Griffin says
I watch on you tube now mostly any ways but am subscribed to you so get those emails and go from there. Glad you will still be able to post somewhere for us to see without more cost to you.
Bunny Hoyle says
I don’t have any social media. Never have. Maybe we need to ALL send Zuck a handmade greeting card letting him know that no one needs drama in a TRANQUIL environment.
T – to
R – read
A – a
N – niece
Q- quiet
U – unbelievable
I – incredible
L – lovely card
Okay, the Q is stretching it because as we all know WE can make some pretty funny cards, y’all.
Hang in there, CZ.
Lori Spitzer says
I agree 100% with your decision, Cathy – not that you need my agreement or approval LOL. But I am right with you. I love your content and as a teacher, I can tell you this tech stuff is way outta hand. My school is actually encouraging teachers to use tech LESS if you can believe that!
You DO YOU!!! We’ll stay with you!
Lori S in PA
Karen Fandrey says
Keep being you, Cathy. I’m mostly on Facebook for the craft groups I’m in and I don’t go on that much anymore because I feel like if I scroll all I see are ads. I’m happy seeing your videos on YouTube and reading your newsletter and blog.
JERI THOMPSON says
Cathy you do what you need to, People love you and what you do, so Im sure those that do will follow you anywhere. I know I will!!
Teresa Carpenter says
Cathy,
I am so sorry that you have to deal with the selfishness of big business
I know those that enjoy your creativity and inspiration will always find you in whatever social media platform you’re in. Thank you!!
JenBestel says
Thank you for sharing this important information. It helps us all understand what our small businesses are facing and why they might be making changes like you. I think informing all of us like this is such a gracious public service. We can clearly understand the facts and not make random judgements about what is going on. Helps us all remember to give a little grace to each other as the world continues to change . . .
Denise Maertens says
Cathy you are absolutely correct on algorithms. If it is not completely shocking and in most cases distasteful the algorithm won’t suggest you. Some of the stuff that comes across my feed is disgusting. It’s interesting because it is stuff I would never be interested in.
I’m on your mailing list and follow you on YouTube so that is all I need. Facebook and Zuck be damned.
Deltha Sharp says
Meta is stupid. Guess they need to pay for that class action loss. So sticking it to small businesses sounds about on par. I’ll always find you on YouTube!
Gina D'urso says
Love you & your down to earth honesty. I’ll see you on You tube, it’s a nicer place anyways!!!!!
Diane Nilles says
I have a Facebook account but never / rarely on it. I actually had to jump through hoops the other day to get my password reset…a long story that is not important. I watch your YouTube channel ALL the time. You do you and keep creating your beautiful cards and products. I will find you. 🥰
Wendy Nicola Jackson says
Well that’s deeply sucky! When will it stop?! So sorry yet another roadblock is being thrown up for small creators. Happy I enjoy blogging still and love your YouTube Channel, these are actually my preferred platforms, so yay that these are still accessible xoxo
Cindy Hunt says
I think everyone has already said my thoughts on this subject. Just wanted to add my support. I honestly hate Facebook and only really go to a couple of creators pages (Gina K for one). Who the heck has the time to keep up?
Shirley McNeely says
I don’t blame you, Cathy. I’m glad you’re not paying, shame on Facebook. I rarely go to FB anymore. I watch you on YouTube. I care very much for all you wonderful creators.
Norma Ofei says
Cathy, I just love your humor. Do what you need to do, Just let me know where to find you and please don’t hit hubby in the nuts just for clicks….lol
Susan Smith says
This just makes my heart hurt and my stomach turn, Cathy. I think a lot of us are getting sick of FB for many reasons: greed, how they change up the rules – constantly throwing small businesses into turmoil, and especially that they are pushing all sorts of unwanted junk – including a never-ending stream of AI slop – at us in our feed, causing us to see less and less of what we came there for. So we will watch your newsletter, your Youtube channel, and Instagram (although it’s owned by Meta so it sort of makes me gag to say this). You may find out how loyal your supporters are because of this. We WANT you to do well, to prosper and to be able to continue making content and teaching (and entertaining!) us. And we will find you wherever you do this. I would encourage all of your Youtube subscribers to make sure that their YT settings are set so that they get ALL notifications of videos from you. I think when you first subscribe, the default is “personalized” rather than “all”.
Shirley L Ano says
We will find you no matter where it is! You are the most humble and genuine creator out there.
Vicki West says
Well that Zucks!
Susie says
Cathy, I ,personally, hate Facebook. I watch you on YouTube. Facebook can go to Hell. Karma is not nice and she does come knocking!! Mark will get his , don’t you worry!!
Keep being the wonderful, sincere, honest, sweet and caring person that you are. Your followers will find you no matter where you are because you are truly a genuine person.
Keep being true to yourself and your followers will find you!!
K. Smith says
Thank you for all you do, Cathy. I love and enjoy your creativity. We will find you in the social media milieu. Thank you for sticking it out. All the best.